Current Affairs - Places

The 9th edition of the Asia Economic Dialogue (AED) 2025 commenced in Pune, co-hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs and Pune International Centre. AED serves as a key 'Track 1.5 Dialogue' on geo-economics, bringing together global leaders to discuss economic challenges and resilience. This year's theme focuses on "Economic Resilience and Resurgence in an Era of Fragmentation," addressing critical issues in the evolving global economic landscape. Pune was chosen as the venue for this important dialogue to foster international discussions and collaboration.

The international art exhibition titled "Topographies of Tents, Terracotta, and Time" will be hosted in Hyderabad. The event, a collaboration between Srishti Art Gallery and Goethe-Zentrum Hyderabad, will showcase the works of renowned international and national artists, focusing on themes such as identity, displacement, and transformation. This exhibition offers an immersive experience, with pieces from artists like Arnaldo Dres Gonzalez, Sudhakar Chippa, and Swen Kahlert, who bring their unique perspectives on migration, urbanization, and nature.

The first SOUL Leadership Conclave 2025 was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This conclave is a key initiative aimed at developing future leaders for Viksit Bharat (Developed India). The event focuses on equipping individuals with leadership skills across various sectors such as governance, business, technology, sports, and social sectors. Additionally, a dedicated SOUL campus will be set up near GIFT City in Gujarat to further support leadership training and development. New Delhi was chosen as the venue for this significant leadership development event.

Google's largest campus in India, named Ananta, is located in Mahadevapura, Bengaluru. This state-of-the-art campus highlights India's role as a key player in global technological advancements, especially in AI and software development. Bengaluru, known as the "Silicon Valley of India," is a hub for tech giants like Google, emphasizing the city's significance in the tech landscape. The campus is designed to promote collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, reinforcing Google's commitment to India’s growing digital landscape.

The Government Medical College Hospital (GMCH) in Kollam introduced India's first-ever 'Living Will Information Counter.' This initiative aims to raise awareness and assist people in drafting living wills, which specify their healthcare preferences if they become incapacitated. The counter has already helped hundreds of individuals obtain soft copies of their living wills within three months. The program promotes patient autonomy and informed decision-making, while also reducing emotional and financial burdens on families in cases of terminal illness or life-threatening conditions.